The Real Deal Los Angeles

The Real Deal Los Angeles

59% of LA voters have considered moving because of high rents: report

56 percent of California voters have considered moving due to housing unaffordability (Credit: Getty Images)

Forget earthquakes — housing costs are driving residents out.

More than half of California voters have considered moving, and 60 percent of the electorate supports rent control, the Sacramento Bee reported.

A whopping 56 percent of voters have considered moving due to the unaffordability of much of the state’s housing. Out of that group, one in four would relocate out of the state if need be, a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies found.

In Los Angeles County, 59 percent of voters have considered moving due to housing costs and approximately 68 percent said they are in support of rent control.

Renters seem to be the biggest proponent of rent control, with 65 percent of registered voters in favor of local laws. In the Bay Area, 63 percent of registered voters want tighter control.

Leaders of the state Senate and Assembly consider the bills’ approval a great success, but real estate professionals worry the new fees Senate Bill 2 creates will negatively impact the industry. [SB] – Natalie Hoberman